August Long Weekend Driving Tips

If your family is hitting the road this August Long Weekend, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Posted On July 14, 2022
By Integra Tire Canada

August Long Weekend is a major family event. One of the most common ways to get away, see the sights, and relax is by going on a road trip. However, due to the dangers of long drives and busier-than-usual roads, it’s critical that you make sure your vehicle and family are ready for what lies ahead. In this guide, we’ll talk about how to keep safe when hitting the road this August Long Weekend.

Don’t Drive Distracted

Distracted driving, including using a GPS system while operating your vehicle, is both illegal and dangerous. Distracted driving accounts for an estimated 21% of driving-related deaths in Canada. We all love listening to our favourite tunes while driving; however, fumbling with CDs, the radio, or our phones while operating a vehicle is also extremely dangerous. Distracted driving isn’t limited to phones and the radio, it also includes eating food, reaching for objects in your vehicle, and anything else that requires the use of your hands. If you have a spouse or friend driving with you, have them navigate and view the route in advance; this will ensure you won’t have to make any last minute turns, exits, or lane changes. If you’re the only person in the vehicle and you need to use your hands for a task, pull over to a safe spot at an appropriate time.

Check A Few Key Areas

Be sure to check a few key areas of your vehicle before hitting the road. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Washer Fluid: As you hit the road, you’ll be sure to encounter dirt, mud, and bugs. Make sure your washer fluid is topped off and you have an extra jug stored in your trunk in case you go through it faster than expected.
  • Oil Levels: Use your oil reservoir dipstick to measure your oil levels. Aside from checking the levels, if your oil is dark, dirty, or smells burnt it likely needs to be replaced.
  • Wiper Blades: Check that your wiper blades are in good condition, are not overly worn, and are not coming apart at the seams.
  • Coolant: You can check the coolant level without removing the radiator cover by looking at the marks on the reservoir. You should be fine as long as the coolant level is above the “full” indicator. If you do need coolant, remove the radiator cap and fill it with coolant until it reaches the “full” level. It is also a good idea to keep extra coolant in your trunk.
  • Inspect Your Tires: It is a good idea to check your tires regularly throughout their lifetime for cracks, bulges, and dry rot. Use a tread gauge to check your tire’s tread depth, once it is nearing 4/32″, they need to be replaced. Check a few different areas to ensure that your tires are not unevenly worn on any side.

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Have Your Vehicle Inspected

The best way to make sure your vehicle is ready for the road is to take it to your local Integra Tire and have a certified mechanic inspect it. Depending on the type of inspection, your mechanic will check various key areas of your vehicle for things you might miss. This might include fluids, lights, steering, suspension, your battery, exhaust, and more. Only your mechanic has the expertise needed to ensure your vehicle is in it’s best shape, and give you the full picture on what needs to be replaced, repaired, or needs attention in the future.

Build an Emergency Kit

Breakdowns can happen at the worst of times. That’s why it’s important to build a summer emergency kit for breakdowns. This should include:

  • Water
  • Non perishable food
  • First-aid equipment
  • Blankets and extra clothes
  • Flashlights
  • Extra cellphone chargers
  • Jumper cables
  • Double check your spare tire, jack, and wrench to ensure it is still in your trunk.

Questions? Our Advisors are Happy to Help!

If you have questions about anything you've read in this resource page, contact your nearest Integra Tire dealer for more information. We are passionate in assisting our customers make the best choices to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape and keep their families safe.
Resource Tags: long weekend , road safety , tires , truly local
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